Nikon 1 AW1

[VF101]

Nikon announced an extension of its Nikon 1 camera line. The new Nikon 1 AW1 will be water proof and shock resistant. Together with the new body, Nikon will also release two appropriate lenses, which seem to be just the waterproof version of the existing 10mm f/2.8 and 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 lenses.

the Nikon 1 AW1 is the world's first*1 digital camera with interchangeable lenses that is waterproof to 15 m (JIS/IEC Class 8 (IPX8) equivalent) and can withstand the shock of a fall from up to 2 m (MIL-STD-810F Method 516.5: Shock standard compliant)

For me this is exciting news. The Nikon 1 series gets a very useful extension. I like to take photos in the rain and so I've even considered to switch to a Pentax DSLR body. Now, I can stay with the 1 series.

Source: http://www.nikon.com/news/2013/0919_nikon1_01.htm

 

[sevo]

Excellent news - waterproofing is the one requirement that can override every other.

The world should have been waiting for a good waterproof - there were a couple of pretty well designed ones around in early digital days, but the current bunch of digital waterproofs seem to have settled for a Kodak Disc lookalike form factor, complete with the corresponding image quality and user interface...

 

[--]

Clever - the Nikon One is much better than its reputation and now the line just a tiny bit better. Also the pricing seems more reasonable than with the originals.

 

[GaryLH]

This Nikon One I am actually sort of interested in...

Takes IMHO some pretty good pictures.. The ability to go down to around 40-50ft and interchangeable lenses. No need to bring two different cameras any longer when u go someplace like Hawaii on vacation.

Good foul weather camera plus two waterproof zooms announced w/ it.

Not sure if I will ever get it..but it does get my attention.

Gary

 

[GaryLH]

Clever - the Nikon One is much better than its reputation and now the line just a tiny bit better. Also the pricing seems more reasonable than with the originals.

Yeah.. I agree the price is better then what they were doing before.

Gary

 

[burancap]

Interesting. I was pretty set on the smaller pockety types as that was about all there was -and I do like their small size. That said, I have been waiting for something like this since selling the Nikonos off. Hmmm...

 

[lynnb]

I will seriously consider buying one of these. Underwater pool portraits here we come.. and also great for wave photos.

 

[ZeissFan]

It's interesting that Nikon has made the design less "hip" and more traditional with a squarish all-black body.

 

[FA Limited]

having built in GPS is definitely something that is appreciated in this type of camera! although no NFC and Wi-Fi is a bit of a bummer

the Nikon 1 system is known for its blazing fast and accurate autofocus however this camera has somewhat dumbed down controls (not even a PASM control dial)

 

[mugent]

A good idea, the Nikon 1 was really missing a reason to exist, it's got one now, this would really appeal to me.

 

[coelacanth]

Although this is not really suitable for scuba diving (needs quite deeper waterproof rating), this is great for non-diving outdoor activities. i hope Nikon will make a fast 35mm equiv. waterproofed prime lens to go with this body.

 

[sevo]

Although this is not really suitable for scuba diving (needs quite deeper waterproof rating)

I doubt we'll ever see a dedicated scuba camera again - the market has settled for dive-proof cases, and these are indeed more sensible in many ways. Now that all couplings to a modern camera can be electric, it is possible to build cases around current evil cameras that are smaller than a Nikonos while certified to four times the depth.

 

[Cold]

I really hope this one is a seller for them, as it might inspire them to go on to making a high-spec version. Had they based this one off of a V2 instead of a J3, I'd be counting up my spare change.

 

[swoop]

I think it's an awesome idea for Nikon to create a purpose built camera instead of just adding to the mess of bodies and lenses we're seeing on the market.

 

[lynnb]

the big review site has a first impressions report

 

[Phantomas]

Actually, correction to one of the posts above - it comes with one zoom and one (28mm equivalent) prime, both waterproof. You can use any other Nikon 1 lens on it, but not the other way around.
I also think it's an interesting camera. Any other underwater cam I've tried either lacked severely in image quality or was in a very bulky underwater case. This thing is very small, and looks decidedly un-underwatery 🙂

Going to take it out this weekend. It's too cold to swim in the canals of Amsterdam right now, but not for my dog, so I'm thinking of mounting the camera on her back and doing 4K short videos sending her swimming after her tennis ball 😀

(Haha, oi, see what happens when you try to get creative with image editing on your iPhone 🙂 )

 

[david.elliott]

Would this be suitable for snorkeling? Maybe going down to about 25 feet or so?

 

[Phantomas]

Would this be suitable for snorkeling? Maybe going down to about 25 feet or so?

It's certified waterproof down to 50ft (15m) so yeah, snorkeling and swimming is what it's actually intended for. Typically cameras can go a bit deeper than certified depth, but 50ft is a safe zone (I wouldn't risk going much deeper).
Divers have different requirements, I typically dive 18 to 30m, so this camera would be a no go, but definitely useful for snorkling, watersports, etc. By the way, even pop-up flash works under water, but given it's rating it's not very useful down there.

Like I said, the camera has very "normal" camera look about it in ergonomics and layout. But once you start detaching lens and opening the compartments you start to see what it's all about. The fact the the mount has removable/cleanable gasket is a nice touch and makes me feel a bit more secure about maintenance.